Man ‘decapitated’ in horror Edinburgh horror incident named by police

A man who died from horrific injuries after being hit by a bus in Edinburgh city centre has been named.

Michael Leneghan, 74, died on Saturday in the Cowgate area of the city centre.

The incident occurred in front of people who were out in bars and nightclubs.

Police Scotland have asked people to respect the family’s privacy and refrain from sharing images and videos that have been posted online.

Mr Leneghan was walking through the city centre when the incident occurred.

Police set up a cordon covering the street while sheets were also placed on the South Bridge to stop people from seeing from above.

Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row were also closed to traffic.

Katie McLaughlin, a 31-year-old from Dumfries, was in the area at the time of the incident.

She told the Daily Record: “He said police were outside and a severed head had been found in the Cowgate. I almost laughed because it’s Halloween weekend and I thought it was a prank.”

Another person who was in Cowgate at the time told The Sun: “I was in Supercube karaoke bar with friends when we were rushed out and told to evacuate.

“We were told a serious incident had taken place but the police would not advise of any more details.”

Sgt Paul Ewing, of the Edinburgh road policing unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Michael’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“We have already spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage.”

Police believe that a number of people witnessed the incident when it occurred.

Mr Leneghan’s family said: “We wish to thank all the members of the public and emergency services involved.

“We would now ask for privacy at this time.”